FAMU Administrator selected to serve on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Advisory Board

Tallahassee, Fla. – Cynthia M. Harris, professor and director of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Institute of Public Health was invited to serve as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Exposure and Human Health Committee for a term that began October 30, and ending September 30, 2010. As a member of the board, Harris, because of her extensive experience in toxicology, will serve as special government employee and will provide independent, expert advice on technical issues underlying EPA policies and decision-making.

According to the appointment letter received from Stephen L. Johnson, EPA administrator, the EPA is committed to employing sound science and good sense to pursue the resolution of a broad range of urgent environmental issues facing the nation. Additionally, Johnson said the experts selected to serve on the SAB will play a big part in the success of a prudent approach to effective environmental protection.

“I’m very excited and look forward to serving as a member of the U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board,” said Harris, whose program is housed in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “This appointment will further allow me to provide public-health service regarding protection of human health and the environment.”

“We congratulate Harris on receiving this significant national appointment,” said Henry Lewis III, dean of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Harris’ contributions to the nation in environmental health policy and her board certification as a toxicologist made her an ideal candidate for this appointment.”

The Environmental Protection Agency’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.